An adult-oriented, choice-driven anthology updating Chaucer’s spirit of irreverent satire for 2025.
The "updated" version you’re likely seeing today refers to the released by cult-film preservationists like Vinegar Syndrome . the ribald tales of canterbury 1985 classic updated
It is frequently paired with another 1985 Bud Lee/Hyapatia Lee collaboration, Tasty . This update cleans up the video and audio
This update cleans up the video and audio nicely—far better than the grainy VHS copies floating around. The bawdy humor and earthy charm of the original remain intact, leaning hard into the raunchy side of Chaucer’s spirit rather than scholarly accuracy. Fans of low-budget 80s erotic comedy will appreciate the intentionally campy performances and over-the-top “ye olde” double entendres. The new intro contextualizing the film as a cult relic is a nice touch. The new intro contextualizing the film as a
Unlike many of its contemporaries, the film features ornate period sets, intricate costumes, and actual outdoor photography. Critics have noted that without its explicit scenes, it would pass for a standard historical epic. Restoration:
In recent years, the "classic updated" status of the film refers to the meticulous restoration efforts that have brought it to a new generation of collectors. For a long time, the film existed only on degraded VHS tapes, which obscured the cinematography and detail that the directors originally intended. New digital transfers have cleaned up the grain, corrected the color balance, and restored the original soundtrack, allowing viewers to see the 1985 production with a clarity that rivals modern digital shoots. These updates have sparked a renewed interest in the film as a piece of kitsch history.